Sensor is a device that detects different types of physical input such as light, heat, motion, moisture, and pressure, among others. This data transmits to an electronic device for further processing. Sensors find applications in various industries such as electronics, IT & telecommunication, automotive, and healthcare.

Increasing demand for Internet of things (IoT) is one of the major driving factors for growth of the market

Increasing utilization of internet of things (IoT) is a major factor expected to boost growth of the global sensors market. Major benefits associated with IoT devices is tracking data in real-time, and providing more accurate data, which in turn leads to better decision making. Owing to these features, advent of IoT technology has led to increased adoption of smart devices such as smart watch, smart grid, smart homes, and smart water networks. For instance, according to the Coherent Market Insights' analysis, the total unit of smart watches sales in 2016 was US$ 36 million and it increased to US$ 76 million in 2017, globally. These systems are incorporated with different types of sensors that help in integrating several functionalities in a single chip such as seamless transfer and exchange of data. Moreover, sensors can be utilized for various applications including monitoring, security as well as intelligent lighting systems. For instance, according to the Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, the number of total IoT connected devices was around 15.4 billion in 2015 across the globally. Therefore, these devices require sensors which in turn is propelling growth of the global sensors market.

Increasing demand for sensors in smartphones another key factor supporting growth of the global sensors market

Smartphone are incorporated with different types of sensors such as gyroscope, proximity sensors, motion sensors, ambient light sensor, proximity, biometric sensors, and temperature detector that are used to measure motion, orientation, and various environmental conditions. These sensors are capable of providing data with high precision and accuracy, which in turn aids in automatic control. Smartphone manufacturing companies have increased the number of sensors in their devices to enhance the overall user interface experience, which is expected to aid in growth of the market. For instance, in September 2017, Apple launched iPhoneX with the FaceID unlock features. The company has incorporated four sensors, which in turn provides accurate facial recognition in any lighting conditions. Hence, these factors are accelerating the global sensors market growth.

High cost of smart sensors development is a key factor restraining the global sensors market growth

Devices that are incorporated with sensors add extra value to the devices, which is one of the major factors restraining growth of the market. Another factor expected to restrain global sensors market growth is the limited functionality of sensors. Electronic systems are dependent on sensors, microcontrollers, and semiconductors to function. The sensors are responsible for detecting information and convey it to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU processes the data through an algorithm, and then it helps in decision making and automating the process. Hence, limited functionality of sensors is reducing its dependability. This factor is further hindering the global market growth.

Global Sensor Market: Regional Insights

North America accounted for largest market share in global sensors market in 2017 and is expected to retain its dominance during the forecasted period. This is owing increasing usage of IoT devices in various verticals such as automotive, healthcare, agriculture, and others. This is one of the factors help in propelling growth of the market in this region. For instance, according to the Coherent Market Insights' analysis, in the U.S., around 60% of the healthcare industry have used IoT in 2017 for diagnosis and monitoring of the patient health. IoT devices in the healthcare sector helps in cost reduction, as healthcare specialists can take advantage of remote health monitoring, without the patient being present in the hospital. Additionally, advancement in wearable health gadgets such as the Apple iWatch is playing a pivotal role in monitoring individual’s health. Therefore, increasing usage of IoT, which is further expected to propel the growth of the sensors market in this particular region.